Making prom affordable

Photo:

Mary Wheeler stands inside the District Exchange Thrift Shop in Bethel surrounded by more than 300 prom/special event gowns. Wheeler wants to see all girls have a chance to go to prom and is offering the short dresses for $5 and the long dresses for $10. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

BETHEL- With the rising cost of so many essentials in life, it's getting harder and harder for teenagers and their parents to justify spending money on such memorable occasions as prom. Mary Wheeler of Bethel wants to help alleviate that pressure and has more than 300 gowns on sale for the low price of $5 and $10.

“We just want to give all the girls an option to be able to go to prom,” noted Wheeler. “We're very excited to have this opportunity.”

Wheeler has a friend in New Jersey who works with the local chapter of Cinderella's Closet and brought her 50 gowns in 2011 that were left over. When she found out what Wheeler wanted to do, she brought more than 300 gowns this year.

The dresses, all ranging in size, color, length and sophistication, are all on sale for less than a twenty spot. The shorter dresses are selling for $5 and the longer ones, $10.

The District Exchange is located at 23 Mason St. in Bethel and is open Monday, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Call Tracy at 739-0488 or 824-4090 if you have questions or would like to schedule a time for a group of girls to shop.

“It's a win-win situation,” noted Wheeler. “We have some really good deals and the money benefits our local food pantry. I want to make this happen for the girls. Especially, when it comes down to them not being able to go because they cannot afford the dress after all the other expenses.”